Pawnee National Grassland plans April 20 trailhead ceremony

A ribbon-cutting for the newly reconstructed Pawnee Buttes trailhead on the Pawnee National Grassland will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20.

Employees will be on hand to give visitors information on recreation opportunities on the Grassland.

Many partners helped the U.S. Forest Service make improvements at the trailhead: the National Scenic Byway Program, the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway Committee, and Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC.

About $250,000, most of it from grants, went to reroute the trail, build a new parking area, and add picnic tables, shelters, restrooms and interpretive information.

Part of the new trail meets Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements.

To reach the trailhead northwest of New Raymer, take Colorado 14 east, travel north on Forest Service Road 129, then east on Forest Service Road 110. Then follow signs to the trailhead area.

Facilities are limited. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen and fill your gas tank.

The Pawnee Buttes rise more than 200 feet from the prairie floor at Pawnee National Grassland, offering hiking opportunities.